Gunderson’s plea hearing delayed

By: 
Luke Reimer
Reporter

A status conference was scheduled for Theresa A. Gunderson during her court appearance on Jan. 12 relating to a police chase outside of Aniwa last May.

Gunderson, 43, of Birnamwood, was charged May 26, 2022 with one count of attempting to flee or elude an officer, one count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, one count of resisting an officer — causing a soft tissue injury, one count of possession of an electric weapon, nine counts of bail jumping and one misdemeanor count of resisting or obstructing an officer.

Gunderson appeared in court with her attorney Daniel Mitchell for what was originally scheduled as a plea hearing. He said that if a case is not set for trial, it can take the Wisconsin Crime Lab six to nine months to process the evidence and will only expedite the process if a speedy trial is ordered.

“We don’t have any speedy trial demand at this time, nor would it make sense,” said Mitchell. “I recognize that it is not the fault of the state. I can’t make that representation of my client without all of the evidence here.”

Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court Judge Katherine Sloma agreed with Mitchell, saying the court is aware of the slow processing time at the Wisconsin Crime Lab.

According to Mitchell, Gunderson had also filed a bond modification, but said that he cannot ethically review the motion, due to Gunderson being arrested and violating bail.

“After the court in good conscious had released her for treatment and then allegations came out — I don’t think that I can make an ethical sound basis for a request for bail reduction at this time, based on performance on the last bail,” said Mitchell. “I know it is hard for her to be in custody awaiting this result, but again certainly the performance on the last bail was poor.”

Sloma set a status conference for Feb. 28.


lreimer@newmedia-wi.com